We encourage you to sign up for the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, a challenge with our partner Southeastern Iowa Synod to participate in Lenten practices, including these daily devotions. Just signing up counts as participation! More info here.

Tree of Life and awesome myst’ry, in your death we are reborn;though you die in all of hist’ry, still you rise with ev’ry morn,still you rise with ev’ry morn. —Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, Evangelical Lutheran Worship #334 

In one of the mystical traditions of the early church, it was thought that Jesus gave birth – literally – as he died on the cross, the birth marked by the blood and water that flowed from his side. But what, exactly, is born? I’m afraid, sometimes, of this ‘awesome mystery,’ and its implications because of what I sometimes begin to comprehend, even in the merest of glimpses.

You see, on the cross, Jesus died not just for the oppressed, but for the oppressors. Not just for the hungry, but for those who hoard. Not just for the weak, but for those who prey upon them.

What is born on the cross, then, is unimaginable love and forgiveness, but it does not come free. Its cost is suffering, death, and abandonment of all that is good. In order for this love to be born, Jesus willingly entered into the depths of hell to endure it all.

On this Good Friday, as yet we wait for the resurrection morning, we remember those who wait for salvation. Whose hope is dim, and whose vision is clouded with death. On this Good Friday we give thanks for the gruesome tree of life, and for the unimaginable love born from Jesus.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you have called me to come and die, that joined to you in the waters of baptism, God might raise me to new life. Help me to believe in the power of your life-giving cross and strengthen me with hope that no matter what I face, you are with me and will bring everything to newness of life. Amen.

Share this email

Forward to a friend

Week Five Devotions by Rev. Erika Uthe, uthe@seiasynod.org